Our War

By: Craig DiLouie

Narrated by: Andrew Eiden

A prescient and gripping novel of a second American civil war, and the children caught in the conflict, forced to fight.

Our children are our soldiers.

After his impeachment, the president of the United States refuses to leave office, and the country erupts into a fractured and violent war. Orphaned by the fighting and looking for a home, 10-year-old Hannah Miller joins a citizen militia in a besieged Indianapolis.

In the Free Women militia, Hannah finds a makeshift family. They'll teach her how to survive. They'll give her hope. And they'll show her how to use a gun.

Hannah's older brother, Alex, is a soldier, too. But he's loyal to other side, and has found his place in a militant group of fighters who see themselves as the last bastion of their America. By following their orders, Alex will soon make the ultimate decision behind the trigger.

On the battlefields of America, Hannah and Alex will risk everything for their country, but in the end, they'll fight for the only cause that truly matters - each other.

©2019 Craig DiLouie (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Rich with well-defined characters, sharp writing, and a riveting premise, this is a novel not to be missed." (Jason V. Brock, author of The Dark Sea Within on One of Us)

"A powerful and heartbreaking tale about hate, fear, and truth. Author Craig DiLouie is fearless as he explores the dark territory of the human heart." (Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author on One of Us)

"One of Us is a masterfully written, thought-provoking dark fairy tale, and one of the best books I've read in a long time. It will stay with the reader long after they've finished the last page." (Dana Fredsti, author of the Ashley Parker series on One of Us)

Mediocre, until I realized what it was.

For most of the book, I was focused on the revolution and was very disappointed in the same way that I disliked The Hunger Games 😡; how it focused so much on the spectacle of the revolution rather than the actual revolution.

The whole time while reading, I’m waiting for the revolution, I’m waiting for the action, and it just doesn’t seem to be coming. It’s all about the navigation of politics, people trying to live in a war-torn environment, and a reporter wanting to write a story about it. On top of waiting for the revolution to actually happen, it often felt like the various factions didn't truly know what they’re fighting for (or at least it was never made clear) … such is the case with many wars 😔.

It wasn't until about 90% into the book that I realized what it's really about, Hannah's personal journey. This is not the story of a revolution (if it is, it's a very bad one), but rather the story of a child soldier. From losing her mother in the opening chapter, to joining the revolution and The Free Women, to an event that I won't mention for spoilers’ sake, and to a life beyond. Had I known this was the intention from the beginning, I would've enjoyed this book a lot more.

So, for those coming after me intending to read Our War: Don't expect the story of America fighting back to protect its home, or a new take on Red Dawn or Homefront. This is the tale of a young girl's personal experience trying to survive a modern civil war.

The horrors of war

What a great book. The story of child soldiers and the psychological impact on them—and society—during a second American civil war. The book is dark, gritty, and gripping. I couldn’t stop listening. It does a good job of showing how idiotic people can be, no matter what their political leanings are. Highly recommended.

Also, I’m pretty sure this is the first one narrated by Andrew Eiden that I’ve listened to. While I initially wondered by this wasn’t read by a woman as 3/5’s of the main POV characters are women, I think he did a fantastic job.

life in the US in 5 years

This is a thoughtful and likely way the US will go. The eerie part is we have already been told we are on "the list" to remove, whatever that means. As a liberal in rural America the threat is real. The right wing around here can't wait for the war to start. This really needs a book 2.

An interesting apocalyptic tale

This is an interesting story of a possible near future in the US. While it is well written and well performed I do find it rather heavy-handed. It's really a story of the horrors of child soldiers and something of why they exist.

great book

a great book recommended by a letter carrier friend. Thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish.

Fantastic Ride!

I don't know how I just learned about this author, but he knows exactly how to spin a yarn. I'm going to read everything from him now and you should, too!

it was pretty all right

I thought it was pretty cool. the only bad thing I can say about it is that it drags on a bit in some parts

Second American Civil War

I first downloaded this closer to when it was first published years ago. My reaction is that this could very well have happened in the aftermath of January 6th, 2021 when rioters stormed the nations capitol. This book actually pre-dates those events by a few year. What I really liked about this book, however, was that it tells the story from the perspective of BOTH sides. So many of these SHTF stories are told from a conservative angle. Not so in this case. So it really gets you to challenge your own pre-conceptions and empathize with how the other side thinks which I found refreshing. That we have a whole lot more in common that differences. In my opinion, it paints the most realistic picture of a world gone mad in the midst of a modern second American Civil War.

Riveting and Poignant

Having been extremely active in politics here in the United States for the last 4 years, and engaging in daily battles with Trump supporters on a myriad of social media platforms, this book hit hard, and was exceptionally vivid. The author took great pains in researching the language and ideologies of both sides of our current political divide, and wove them all into a masterful story, which captures a not so fictional struggle for the direction our Nation should take.

I have been a fan of Craig DiLouie ever since reading Crash Dive, and once again he has left me blown away. His masterful ability to bring characters to life will leave you with vivid images, and a desire to rethink how you view the division here at home.

To end with, I feel it is important that Americans read this book, and pay attention to the lessons which are taught throughout. Our country is in a very perilous position right now, and we all can learn a thing or two from this masterful work, and hopefully put it into practice... I know I will.

Stupendous!

This is a must read/listen to novel. I was captivated by it in a matter of a few minutes of listening. I am just in awe. I would highly recommend in reading/listening.